Press Release The new Beetle Cabriolet: world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show

[phaeton]

Launching in Europe in spring 2013

Open-top version combines classic style with everyday practicality

Wolfsburg, 04 October 2012 – A new wind will soon be blowing in the open-top car market, created by a new Volkswagen: the Beetle Cabriolet. The car continues a unique automotive story: following the original Beetle Cabriolet (type 15), first launched in 1949, and the New Beetle Cabriolet of 2002, it marks the third generation of the curvaceous Volkswagen soft-top that offers unprecedented practicality and open-top driving fun for four.

Its unmistakable silhouette has made generations of the Beetle into cult cars. The fact that over 330,000 units of the original Beetle Cabriolet cars were produced from 1949 to 1980 speaks for itself. In creating the latest version of the Beetle Cabriolet, Volkswagen has reinterpreted the timeless design of bygone days and given the silhouette a sportier and more dynamic look. The combination of a flatter roofline and the more upright windshield gives the car a silhouette that resembles that of the legendary original Beetle Cabriolet.

The new model also incorporates design criteria of the modern Volkswagen line-up: the air inlet under the bumper, the flat contour of the hood’s bottom edge and in particular the tail lights show the close family ties. In the new Beetle Cabriolet, Volkswagen brings together modern technology and the highest standards of quality with the emotional legacy of the car’s ‘forefather’. As on the nostalgic icon, the headlights still have their classic round shape.

Another feature contributing to the special charm of the new Beetle Cabriolet is the traditional soft top. When open it lies very flat, enabling good vision to the rear. Despite its compact construction, the top is very wide and elongated in shape. It opens and closes entirely automatically (on all models) within around ten seconds and up to a driving speed of 30mph.

Included with the Beetle Cabriolet is a standard soft-top cover, which, if desired, tucks the opened top neatly away. Surrounding chrome trim accentuates the borders between steel and fabric. As in other Beetle models, the compact instrument panel with extra large round instrument cluster and several nostalgic elements, such as the additional glove box, create a markedly different design inside the new Beetle Cabriolet as well.

With its spacious and comfortably designed interior the Beetle Cabriolet is a fully-fledged four-seat vehicle. The trunk enfolding up to 225 liters includes a fold-down symmetrically split rear bench seat which allows transporting bigger items event when the roof is closed.

To provide added safety in the event of a rollover accident, Volkswagen has developed an active rollover protection system. It consists of two extendable modules fitted inside the vehicle in concealed fashion behind the back of the rear bench seat. If the car were to roll over, the two rollover modules would be activated via the central airbag triggering unit. Along with the fixed A-pillars, they provide effective protection for the occupants of all four seats within a matter of milliseconds. Another extra safety feature is front and head-thorax-airbags that are standard equipment.

The new Beetle Cabriolet will be available with seven engine options. The entry-level engine is a highly efficient 1.2-liter TSI, delivering 77 kW/ 105 PS. Right from the launch, the BlueMotion Technology version of this gasoline engine will also be available. The other gasoline engines are the lively 1.4-liter TSI and the 2.0-liter version, producing 118 kW and 147 kW respectively. In the diesel area, Volkswagen is offering the tried and tested 1.6-liter TDI with 77 kW (including as a BMT version) and the 2.0-liter TDI, delivering 103 kW.

In Germany, the new Beetle Cabriolet can be ordered beginning in November with prices starting at €21,350.

Source http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/201...-world-premiere-at-the-los-angeles-auto-show/

 

[martinbo]

That is such a great chick car. A last - an open top car that Marcus won't go gaga over.

 

[Centurion]

That is such a great chick car.

I am deeply sorry that it is. A few weeks ago I saw one for the first time and from a distance it look nice and butch and somewhat drivable for a dude, but it all turns for the worst when you get up close with the front-end and notice that the head lights have eye-lashes. Tuner do a brilliant job of masculinating it:

 

[HighestOfHigh]

^Yep that is much better!

 

[martinbo]

^ ^ Looks like a hot-rod and not a Beetle. Misses the mark as far as its spiritual forebear is concerned.

 

[Centurion]

^ ^ Looks like a hot-rod and not a Beetle. Misses the mark as far as its spiritual forebear is concerned.

Well sometimes you've gotta turn a donkey into a horse.

 

[Merc1]

That is such a great chick car. A last - an open top car that Marcus won't go gaga over.

I can't even have an R version Martin? Provided they do one lol. Nah I don't want a droptop Beetle. The small VW I want we don't get here, the Scirocco R.

VW is already selling 35K cars a month in the U.S. when this arrives in time for next spring/Summer VW is going to see sales numbers they haven't seen in 40 years.

M

 

[phaeton]

The R and R-Line look more stronger than the basic versions thats for sure.

R-Line Cabriolet package
http://www.flickr.com/photos/upcomingvehiclesx/8197402206/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/upcomingvehiclesx/8197402430/

Exclusive package
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5884953-Volkswagen-reveals-Beetle-quot-Exclusive-quot-trim

 

[Centurion]

The R and R-Line look more stronger than the basic versions thats for sure.

R-Line Cabriolet package
http://www.flickr.com/photos/upcomingvehiclesx/8197402206/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/upcomingvehiclesx/8197402430/

Exclusive package
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5884953-Volkswagen-reveals-Beetle-quot-Exclusive-quot-trim

The LEDs still resemble eye lashes though, which is a big issue. Ironically the Bentley Mulsanne has similar headlights but they look way less feminine.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

 

[phaeton]

World premiere in Los Angeles:
The new Beetle Cabriolet – more powerful, confident and fuel-efficient

Agile: new Volkswagen convertible comprehensively engineered for sportiness

Open: standard power soft top is fully stowed in 9.5 seconds (up to 50 km/h)

Wolfsburg / Los Angeles, 28 November 2012 - In a world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen is presenting the new Beetle Cabriolet. After the original Beetle Cabriolet and New Beetle Cabriolet, this is the third generation of an automobile that enjoys cult status nearly everywhere in the world. The new Beetle Cabriolet is now larger. Plus it’s more powerful, sporty and also more fuel-efficient. The visual impression is of a car that is longer, wider and has a lower roofline, making its proportions look more dynamic. Aside from its performance data and fuel economy figures, the most important value of a cabriolet is the time it takes to stow the soft top. In the Beetle Cabriolet, this is accomplished in just 9.5 seconds thanks to a standard electro-hydraulic drive. It can even be opened while driving  up to a speed of 31 mph (50 km/h). When stowed, the roof folds together compactly behind the rear seats, optimising the view to the rear. The fabric soft top of the Beetle Cabriolet can be raised in 11.0 seconds; the extra 1.5 seconds is accounted for by the amount of time the electro-hydraulic drive takes to latch the roof automatically to the windscreen frame.

Icons. The new Beetle Cabriolet demonstrates the great potential of what is certainly the most familiar design in automotive history – the design of the Beetle. As a convertible, it became one of the world’s first automobiles to break free of class boundaries back in the middle of the last century; 331,847 units were built over a period of 32 years. The Beetle design experienced a renaissance with the New Beetle. That open-top version was the “Flower power convertible of a new era”; in eight years a substantial 234,619 New Beetle Cabriolet cars were built. The secret of its success: the New Beetle Cabriolet was not simply a copy of the original Beetle Cabriolet – instead, designers re-interpreted the forms of the car body and further developed them.
And that is how the team led by Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design for the Volkswagen Brand, approached the design of the new Beetle Cabriolet. Bischoff: “Retro is not our thing; we are always looking forward. The Beetle Cabriolet was designed to have a more powerful and masculine stance on the road. And we have achieved this goal.”

Dimensions. At 4,278 mm, the new cabriolet is 152 mm longer than the New Beetle. The car also grew 84 mm in width (1,808 mm, without door mirrors). Since the convertible was simultaneously made 29 mm lower, to a height of 1,473 mm, the Beetle shows considerably more dynamism and road presence – simply because of these proportions. The gain in length benefits interior space and boot capacity. And even when the soft top is down, it hardly limits cargo space; when compared to the New Beetle, its cargo capacity was increased by 24 litres to 225 litres. Unlike in the New Beetle Cabriolet, the rear bench seat can now be folded down, thanks to a newly developed rollover protection system. The standard rollover protection system pops up from behind the rear head restraints within milliseconds when a predefined lateral acceleration or vehicle tilt value is exceeded.

Spacious feeling. The new dimensions along with the windscreen frame that has been shifted significantly towards the rear  thereby modifying the roof contour - give the two rear passengers greater headroom – 12 mm more to be exact. The Beetle Cabriolet gives the driver and front passenger an entirely new feeling of space as well. As in the hard top version, the convertible’s completely remastered ergonomics create an interior that matches the dynamism of the exterior. In the new cabriolet - as in the New Beetle Cabriolet and original Beetle Cabriolet - “open” really means “open”, and there is no long windscreen to stand in the way of a pure cabriolet feeling.

US versions. In the USA, the new Beetle Cabriolet is available with a 103 kW TDI (140 PS) and a 147 kW TSI (200 PS), which are also offered in Europe, as well as a 125 kW five-cylinder engine (MPI) that was specially developed for the American market. The latter is offered with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic; a Volkswagen 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) is available as an option for the TSI and TDI.

Extremely efficient (EPA fuel economy). In the USA, as elsewhere in the world, the efficiency of engines continues to play an increasingly important role. In light of this, as a TDI (0–60 mph in 9.2 s) the Beetle will be positioned as one of the most fuel-efficient convertibles on the US market with fuel economy values of 32 mpg (combined) and 41 mpg (Highway). Fuel economy values for the DSG version have not yet been determined. The 147 kW TSI (0–60 mph in 6.9 s), with a manual gearbox, attains 24 mpg (combined) and 30 mpg (Highway); with DSG the combined fuel economy value is nearly identical (24 and 29 mpg), which speaks volumes for the efficiency of the dual-clutch gearbox. The 125 kW engine with its 6-speed au-tomatic also attains a good 23 mpg (27 mpg Highway).

European versions. In Europe, Volkswagen will offer the Cabriolet exclusively with direct-injection four-cylinder turbo engines. The three TSI (petrol) engines produce 77 kW / 105 PS, 118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS, while the two TDI (diesel) engines develop 77 kW / 105 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS. Either of these engines may be paired with an optional Volkswagen-developed dual-clutch gearbox (6- or 7-speed DSG) – a first in this class, and not just at Volkswagen. In Europe, the two engines that are also offered in the USA attain fuel consumption values of 5.1 l/100 km (140 PS TDI, manual gearbox), 7.6 l/100 (200 PS TSI with manual gearbox) and 7.9 l/100 (200 PS TSI with DSG).

Impressive features. Whether in America or Europe – standard equipment always includes the ESP electronic stabilisation pro-gramme including brake assist and hill hold feature, a network of airbags including side curtain airbags and automatically actuating rollover protection. Optional features that are being offered in a Beetle Cabriolet for the first time include bi-xenon headlights, a keyless engine starting and locking system (Keyless Access), ambience lighting, Fender sound system (400 Watts), automatic climate control, radio-navigation system with touchscreen and hard drive, auxiliary instruments on the instrument panel (chronometer, oil temperature, charge pressure) and alloy wheels in 18- and 19-inch formats.

Customisation. Similar to the hard-top Beetle with its steel or panoramic sunroof, the Cabriolet will also be available in three equipment versions (USA: “2.5 L”, “Turbo”, “TDI”; Europe: “Beetle”, “Design”, “Sport”). In addition, Volkswagen has conceptualised three special edition models for the open-top Beetle at its market launch: the stylish “50s Edition”, the cool “60s Edition” and the elegant “70s Edition.” Each of the three editions reflects the style of a decade – in tribute to the legendary Beetle Cabriolet. The “50s Edition”, for example, offers such features as 17-inch “Circle Black” alloy wheels, chrome door mirrors, a black soft top and “Monochrome Black” paint. The “60s Edition” model was inspired by the style of the 1960s with high-end sport seats in black-blue “Vienna” leather and either “Denim Blue” or “Candy White” body colour in combination with a black soft top,. The “70s Edition” aims for elegance – with “Toffee Brown Metallic” or “Platinum Grey Metallic” exterior colours that harmonise well with the beige-coloured soft top and leather sport seats. The new Beetle Convertible launches on the USA market at the end of November 2012; in Europe, the Volkswagen launches in February 2013.

 

[Merc1]

The brown one looks really good. Amazing that Brown is making a slight comeback now. The MB SLS Roadster looks good in Brown also.

M

 

[Rainer271]

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Karmann Edition introduced at AMI Leipzig

Goes up for order in Germany next month

Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the Beetle Cabriolet Karmann Edition at AMI Leipzig.

Designed to honor Karmann, which built numerous Beetle Cabriolets between 1949 and 1980, the special edition will be available in seven colors and feature a unique Sioux Brown power folding soft top. The car has also been equipped with special badging and 18-inch Disc-style alloy wheels.

Moving on to the interior, the special edition has two-tone sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy pedals. There's also a matte aluminum dashboard, Karmann-branded door sill plates and a wind deflector.

The Beetle Cabriolet Karmann Edition will be available to order next month and will be offered with all the usual engine and transmission options.

Source: Volkswagen

 

[Rainer271]

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Denim unveiled with a denim-inspired soft top


Volkswagen is paying tribute to the 1970's Beetle Jeans model by introducing the new Beetle Denim edition at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Set to arrive at U.S. dealerships early next year, the special edition is based on the Beetle Convertible and features a Pure White or Stonewashed Blue exterior with a Dark Blue soft top that has a special textured fabric that resembles denim.

The unique styling continues in the cabin as designers installed a light blue and silver dashboard as well as denim-inspired cloth and leatherette seats with white piping. The seats also have jeans-inspired pockets with small red Beetle tabs. Last but not least, buyers will find a MIB II infotainment system with a 5.0-inch display, a rearview camera and AUX/USB/iPod/Bluetooth connectivity.

Given the Dieselgate scandal, it shouldn't come as any surprise the model will be available exclusively with a turbocharged 1.8-liter TSI four-cylinder engine which is rated at 170 bhp (126 kW) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque. It will be connected to a standard six-speed automatic transmission.

Production will be limited to 2,000 units and Volkswagen says the Denim edition will be positioned as a "value model."

Source: Worldcarfans / Netcarshow

 

[Rainer271]

VW Beetle Denim

Volkswagen of America Inc. announced the launch of the special edition 2016 Beetle Denim. Paying homage to the 1970s Jeans Bug, the vehicle revives the rich heritage of the Beetle brand, offering fans a modern take on this classic model.

As a special edition vehicle, exclusive design elements have been added to the 2,000 production units. The 2016 Beetle Denim is offered in two exterior color options—Pure White or Stonewashed Blue. The production run will be split equally between the two colors. The convertible top has been finished in Dark Blue with a brand new textured fabric that resembles denim.

Interior design features include a unique light-blue-and-silver dashpad and jeans-inspired seat pockets with small Beetle tabs in red. The light blue denim-color cloth seating surfaces also feature white piping and dark blue leatherette accents.

For model year 2016, the vehicle is equipped with Volkswagen's new MIB II infotainment system, which offers higher resolution, faster processing speeds, and crisper graphics than ever before. A 5.0-inch resistive touchscreen display comes with a host of standard features including AUX-in, SD card slots, and a USB multimedia interface with iPhone® and iPod® device connectivity, reverse camera display, and Bluetooth® technology for compatible devices.

Available in the United States with a 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, the Beetle Denim produces 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The 2016 Beetle Denim will be a value model in the Convertible lineup.

 

[SCOTT27]

This is kind of cool.

Dented VW Beetle Bumper Fixed with Hot Water in China

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http://www.autoevolution.com/news/dented-vw-beetle-bumper-fixed-with-hot-water-in-china-105587.html

 

[chonkoa]

Impressive

 

[Deleted member 25]

Please just kill this car.

 

[chonkoa]

Please just kill this car.

LOL....why?

 

[Centurion]

This is kind of cool.

Dented VW Beetle Bumper Fixed with Hot Water in China

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http://www.autoevolution.com/news/dented-vw-beetle-bumper-fixed-with-hot-water-in-china-105587.html

I'm amazed the trick works on new cars. The rest of the bumper can be buffed out.